The iconic USA is a massive landscape that over 331 million people call home. The vast land leaves one wondering where the best places to live in the United States might be.
Choosing a place to settle in is a significant decision, as it shapes your daily experiences, influences your career, and impacts your overall quality of life. Luckily, the United States has some of the best cities. This top 10 list will narrow them down and guide you to your picket-fence dreams.
Best Places to Live in the United States for…
- Expats: Huntsville, Alabama
- English Speakers: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Digital Nomads: Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Solo Travelers: Tampa, Florida
- Couples: Erie, Pennsylvania
- Groups: New Orleans, Louisiana
Top 10 Places to Live in The United States
1. Huntsville, Alabama
The Best Place in The United States for Expats
Cost of Living: $$
If you’re an expat looking to delight in Southern charm, Huntsville gives you all that and more. The low cost of living, multiple higher education avenues, and natural surroundings make it the perfect place to settle.
Tip: While staying in Huntsville, be sure to revel in the town’s multiple museums, art galleries, and theaters, including the intriguing US Space & Rocket Center.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, families, and students.
Pros:
- Huntsville is friendly on the wallet, as the living costs are 8% less than the national average.
- It is the perfect place for higher education, with options like the University of Alabama.
Cons:
- Tornados are a common occurrence in spring and fall.
- Public transport isn’t the best, and you’ll likely need a car to get around.
- The nightlife scene is almost non-existent.
2. Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Best Place in The United States for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$$$
Virtually anywhere in the United States is suitable for English speakers, but Cambridge offers top-notch urban bliss. In fact, the city was named after England’s University of Cambridge. Here, you’ll find many restaurants, quaint bookstores, prestigious universities, and quality public transport.
Tip: Cambridge is known to have low crime rates, but here is more information on the safe areas in the United States.
Who Would Like to Live There: English speakers, expats, students, and solo travelers.
Pros:
- Cambridge is very pedestrian-friendly, and many citizens use public transport or cycle to work.
- The city has plenty to do and see, from the Harvard Museum of Natural History to Club Passim.
- It is home to esteemed educational institutions like Harvard University.
Cons:
- Cambridge’s living costs are 74% higher than the USA’s average.
- The city experiences heavy snowfall and temperatures below freezing for around 115 days of the year.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
The Best Place in The United States for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$$
If you like the idea of 300 days of sunshine a year and breathtaking natural escapes, your location freedom is best spent in Colorado Springs. You can go on adventures like hiking, mountain biking, or exploring museums. Denver is a stone’s throw away if you’re in the mood for big-city life.
Tip: There are many coliving coworking locations in the United States that are just as wonderful.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital nomads, families, and nature lovers.
Pros:
- You can enjoy the activities surrounding Colorado Springs, such as the natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains or the Garden of the Gods.
- Colorado Springs is highly desirable and offers an affordable cost of living compared to Denver.
- The city has excellent private and public schools and higher education.
Cons:
- Colorado Springs is a car-dependent city.
- The city faces water scarcity concerns.
- Colorado Springs’ 6,035-foot (1,839 m) altitude can be challenging to get used to.
4. Tampa, Florida
The Best Place in The United States for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$$$
Tampa is a safe place, which is perfect for those going solo. Friendly locals, sunny weather, and bustling city life are all part of the territory. Tampa has endless activities, divine beaches, and a diverse and growing economy.
Tip: Many people in Tampa Bay are friendly, and strangers will likely smile at you randomly, — so it’s best to be nice and smile back.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo travelers, business professionals, and surfers.
Pros:
- Tampa has a promising job market.
- You can access award-winning sandy shores with crisp blue waters like the famous Clearwater Beach or the quieter but charming Fort De Soto.
Cons:
- Tampa’s cost of living is 1.3% above the national average
- Property taxes for new homeowners and insurance premiums are ridiculously high.
5. Erie, Pennsylvania
The Best Place in The United States for Couples
Cost of Living: $$
Erie is a worthy choice for a couple looking to settle down. Low living costs, artsy cityscapes, and welcoming locals promise a comfortable lifestyle. For romance, you and your partner can stroll the Presque Isle State Park coastline, watch a show at the Warner Theater, or visit one of the spas.
Tip: Education quality varies in Erie, so it’s best to research when choosing schools.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, families, and water sports enthusiasts
Pros:
- Erie’s living costs are 10% less than the national average.
- There are plenty of things to do and see in Erie.
- The city has a decent public transport system.
Cons:
- It snows in Erie during winter, and sometimes, it experiences blizzards.
- The economy isn’t strong, meaning there is a high poverty rate.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
The Best Place in The United States for Groups
Cost of Living: $$$
There is a house in New Orleans that you might want to call home. Group living is pleasant in this city because it is a hub for live music and festivals like the Bayou Boogaloo. New Orleans also has a rich cultural history and a distinctive Creole cuisine.
Tip: New Orleans has a mix of remarkable architectural styles, one example being the St. Louis Cathedral.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, solo travelers, and digital nomads.
Pros:
- New Orleans has a buzzing city and nightlife, which makes it the best place for groups looking to enjoy themselves.
- It is one of the more affordable big cities compared to others like New York.
Cons:
- The economy is not strong; many jobs are low-paying, and there’s low availability.
- If you can’t handle extremely hot and humid weather conditions, you may want to give New Orleans a skip.
7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
The Best Place in The United States For Business Professionals
Cost of Living: $$$
Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) caters to both big-city excitement and quiet, suburban living. It has a promising job market and no state income tax, which is good news for business professionals. The city also offers a dynamic business community with numerous networking events.
Tip: You might want to brush up on your football knowledge and support the Dallas Cowboys, as the sport is taken very seriously here.
Who Would Like to Live There: Business professionals, digital nomads, and families.
Pros:
- DFW has a relatively lower cost of living compared to some other major metropolitan areas.
- It has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including airports and public transport.
- Reputable educational institutions are plentiful, such as Texas Wesleyan University.
Cons:
- Public transport is a thorn in the city’s side, and as a business professional, you need a vehicle.
- DFW has little variety in terms of nature.
8. Adirondack Mountains, New York
The Best Place in The United States For Metro-Nature Lovers
Cost of Living: $$$$
It would be impossible to list the best US places without mentioning New York. Adirondack Mountains offers urbanites with a love for the outdoors a holistic balance. You’ll be close enough to enjoy New York’s splendor but live in the serenity of the surrounding wilderness.
Tip: This New York bucket list will ensure you get the most out of living in the iconic city.
Who Would Like to Live There: City and nature lovers, solo travelers, digital nomads
Pros:
- You can live a dual life comprised of nature and cosmopolitan activities.
- Adirondacks offers well-developed infrastructure while maintaining a natural environment.
Cons:
- The best of both worlds comes with a high price tag.
- Access to certain services like healthcare, shopping, and entertainment is a tad limited.
9. Woodbridge, New Jersey
The Best Place in The United States For Families
Cost of Living: $$$
Woodbridge has something for everyone: plenty of recreational facilities, a variety of affordable housing options, great education, and a thriving economy. The city fits the picket fence trope, and you and your family can live a blissful life.
Tip: If you’d love a weekend away from the kids, New York City is only 28 miles (45 km) away.
Who Would Like to Live There: Families and young couples looking to start one.
Pros:
- Woodbridge’s cost of living is lower than the USA’s average
- Crime isn’t a big concern and is lower than average.
Cons:
- New Jersey has some of the most expensive property taxes in the United States.
- The high level of traffic is a pain.
10. Knoxville, Tennessee
The Best Place in The United States For a Low Budget
Cost of Living: $$
Knoxville is a multicultural community that has a cost of living that is around 15% lower than the national rate. Besides affordability, the city is beautifully surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Mountains. There’s also no shortage of things to do and see.
Tip: Looking for more of the best locations to live? You can also find some incredible places in Eastern Europe.
Who Would Like to Live There: People with a low budget and expats.
Pros:
- Knoxville has a delightful arts and culture scene.
- It has endless natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities.
- The city has a strong schooling system.
Cons:
- Public transportation is limited.
- The city has a high 9.25% sales tax.
- Property and violent crimes are around twice as high compared to the national average.